ALWAYS REPLACE SHOCK ABSORBERS IN PAIRS

Monroe warns that replacing only a single shock or strut could lead to adverse vehicle performance and premature tyre, steering and suspension component wear

Like other vehicle systems and components, shock absorbers, which stroke an average of 2,800 cycles per kilometre, are subject to significant wear over time.
When replacing one worn or damaged shock absorber, Monroe says it is vitally important to also replace its counterpart on the other side of the vehicle in order to maintain consistent performance and to prevent premature wear.
Because a new shock absorber has experienced no internal wear, pairing it with an old unit could create uneven damping characteristics, and cause the newer shock to wear out much faster than expected, because the replaced unit will need to work harder to compensate for the wear of the old shock absorber.
“Shock absorbers have a direct impact on several key areas of vehicle performance, such as stopping distance, steering response, handling, and the ability of the tyres to maintain contact with the road surface,” Monroe Marketing Manager, Brydon Tweddell, said.
“Replacing only a single worn or damaged shock absorber can have adverse effects on vehicle performance characteristics and increase both component and tyre wear. It is critical that automotive technicians always replace both shock absorbers on a single axle to ensure a safer and much more comfortable ride for their customers.”
Worn and damaged shock absorbers have a significant impact on driver comfort and safety, causing vehicles to excessively bounce and sway, adversely affecting steering response along with causing increased stopping distances.
Monroe recommends that automotive technicians check shock absorbers for wear or damage with every vehicle service, and when carrying out other repairs such as brake or tyre replacements.
Monroe says that when conducting vehicle inspections, automotive technicians should look for common signs of worn and damaged shocks and struts, which include damaged steering and suspension ball joints, poor steering response, fluid leaks from the shock or strut body, cupped or uneven tyre wear, and excessive vehicle bounce. When performing road tests, it advises technicians should also look out for any leaning or swaying during lane changes.
Monroe says it supports its range of replacement shock absorber products with training for automotive repairers along with providing the industry’s only five-year warranty on its entire Monroe OESpectrum aftermarket shock absorber range for passenger cars, SUVs and light commercial vehicles.

Contact your Monroe Territory Manager or call Monroe Australia’s customer service team on 1800 088 205 to find out more.